SPACPAC careers expo returns to Ara

_{Students commented that they enjoy visiting the expo stall and also having the chance to connect with others}

The SPACPAC Careers Expo returned to Ara Institute of Canterbury this week, bringing more than 500 Pacific secondary school students from across Canterbury onto the city campus.

Ara hosted a Pacific-led interactive zone in the whareora (gym) expo space with more than 30 staff and students showcasing the student experience and highlighting pathways into tertiary study.

Hands on activities and challenges - from blood pressure monitoring to hand drilling races and fitness testing - gave visitors plenty to try, while current Ara students connected with guests by sharing their own study journeys.

Students were also invited into the on-campus Pacific Hub to learn about wrap around support available to learners at Ara.

Sua Tauti, Ara's Associate Director of Pacific Success, said hosting SPACPAC’s event provided an opportunity help future learners feel at home on campus.

“It’s important for our prospective learners see our campus as a familiar space. Being here, meeting our staff and students and spending time in our Pacific Hub breaks down barriers. It gives them a sense of belonging before they even enrol.”

Students attending the expo said the event helped them explore options and connect with other Pacific learners.

Fresh from testing his bike speed and endurance with Applied Science tutors, St Andrew’s College student Jairo Senio said the expo experience helped him see new possibilities.

“I’m still figuring out what I want to do, so coming here helps me see what lines up with my interests. A lot of Pacific students don’t always know their pathway and sometimes feel pressure to leave school and work. Being here shows us what we can achieve.”

Rangiora High School student Finehika Uhatafe said the chance to meet other Pacific students was a highlight.

“A lot of us don’t have many Pasifika peers at school, so being here feels good. It’s heartwarming being in a space where everyone feels the same sense of belonging.”

Careers advisors accompanying the groups said the expo gave students confidence to explore options they may not have considered.
Hillmorton College Pacific Lead and Pacific Studies teacher Kelsey Stevenson brought 37 students to the event. She said attending as a group made a real difference.

“When they come with their friends they feel empowered to ask questions and often explore more. They get to see options beyond university and realise there are so many practical and STEM pathways that might suit them.”

Hornby High School Head of Technology and teacher in charge of Pasifika support Oscar Richardson said the event was empowering for ākonga.

“Having all the agencies and organisations under one roof helps bridge that transition from school to study or work. For my learners, seeing people who look like them and understand their world makes a huge difference. They feel represented and supported.”

Throughout the morning at Ara’s Pacific Hub, students took part in workshops led by Ara students and focused on what it means to thrive as a Pacific learner in tertiary study.

The sessions offered a chance for smaller groups to ask questions, explore the space and hear directly from current students.

Workshops included a session with Jason Tiatia, Lead Adviser for Pacific Engagement at the Ministry of Education and author of the just-released book Samoan Made Simple.

Students also heard from Squirrel Mortgages’ Tasmania Sapi, who has a finance and economics degree and experience across accounts, HR and management.

The event closed with evaluations and final remarks, with many students leaving the Ara zone with new insights, new connections and a strong sense of what studying at Ara could look like.